Bring in the Wine - Li Bai
/将进酒 - 李白/
An Exuberant Call to Embrace Life
君不见黄河之水天上来，
Can't you see the Yellow River's waters descending from the sky,
奔流到海不复回。
Rushing into the sea, never to return?
君不见高堂明镜悲白发，
Can't you see those lamenting white hair in bright mirrors of high halls,
朝如青丝暮成雪。
This morning's black tresses turn to snow by evening?
人生得意须尽欢，
When life grants success, we must revel to the fullest,
莫使金樽空对月。
Never leave a golden goblet empty against the moon.
天生我材必有用，
Heaven has given my talents for a purpose,
千金散尽还复来。
Though a thousand coins be spent, more will come again.
烹羊宰牛且为乐，
Cook the lamb, butcher the ox, let us make merry,
会须一饮三百杯。
We must down three hundred cups in one sitting.
岑夫子，丹丘生，
Master Cen, Danqiu my friend,
将进酒，杯莫停。
Bring in the wine—do not let our cups pause.
与君歌一曲，
I will sing you a tune,
请君为我倾耳听。
Please, lend your ears and listen.
钟鼓馔玉不足贵，
Bells, drums, and fine feasts hold no lasting worth,
但愿长醉不复醒。
I only long to stay drunk and never wake.
古来圣贤皆寂寞，
From ancient times, saints and sages were often lonely,
惟有饮者留其名。
Only the drinker leaves behind a name renowned.
陈王昔时宴平乐，
Lord Chen once feasted in Pingle,
斗酒十千恣欢谑。
Wagering ten thousand coins on wine in free merriment.
主人何为言少钱，
Why speak of having too little money, dear host?
径须沽取对君酌。
Go buy more wine so we may drink together.
五花马，千金裘，
Sell the five-flowered horse and the costly fur coat,
呼儿将出换美酒，
Call the servant to trade them for fine wine,
与尔同销万古愁。
And let us together dissolve the sorrow of ten thousand ages.
“Bring in the Wine” is among Li Bai’s most spirited and well-known poems, celebrating the fleeting quality of life and the importance of seizing every moment. The poem opens by invoking powerful images of the Yellow River flowing endlessly and hair turning white overnight, emphasizing the relentless passage of time. In response, Li Bai encourages indulging in pleasure, believing that life’s joyful moments must be savored before they vanish. This approach to living is not mere hedonism; rather, it reflects a philosophical stance that values emotional and creative freedom above the shackles of worldly concerns.
Throughout the verses, we see Li Bai’s characteristic exuberance: he insists on cooking lavish feasts, drinking countless cups of wine, and singing. He believes heaven has graced him with talent, so he should use it fully rather than worry about conventional measures of success or hoarding wealth. He also notes that saints and sages across history often led lonely lives, hinting that true fame and fulfillment might be found in the freedom of unrestrained enjoyment rather than the pursuit of sober virtue.
In essence, the poem calls us to embrace the present, share our revelries, and trust that what we expend will be replenished in due time. Against the haunting reality of mortality, Li Bai offers wine, music, and companionship as the antidotes to sorrow and isolation. By extolling both the grandeur and fragility of existence, “Bring in the Wine” continues to speak to anyone who wishes to transcend life’s limitations through art, connection, and delight—in short, to live fully in the face of impermanence.
Key points
1. Life’s transience underscores the importance of seizing the moment.
2. Earthly riches are less meaningful than experiences and creativity.
3. Companionship, wine, and music become antidotes to isolation.
4. Talent or fortune is best applied to enjoyment rather than hoarding.
5. Even in acknowledging sorrow, one can find liberation through celebration.